Strawberry plant named &#39;clancy&#39;

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a new and distinct June-bearing cultivar of strawberry plant named ‘CLANCY’ primarily adapted to the growing conditions of west central New York and other regions of similar climate. The new cultivar is primarily characterized by strong vigor, large flowers, broader than long fruit, globose fruit shape, very large primary fruit, dark red fruit color, very firm fruit flesh, the upright attitude of pedicels and fruiting trusses, and late season fruit maturation.

GENUS AND SPECIES

Fragaria×ananassa Duch.

CULTIVAR DENOMINATION

‘CLANCY’

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct June-bearing (shortday responsive) strawberry cultivar designated as ‘CLANCY’. The cultivaris botanically known as Fragaria×ananassa Duch. The new and distinctcultivar of strawberry originated from a hand-pollinated cross of UnitedStates Department of Agriculture selections MDUS4774 (notpatented)×MDUS5199 (not patented) made in 1988 in Beltsville, Md.MDUS4774 is a June-bearing type producing large, very firm, conic shapedfruit that have a light red exterior, pale interior and ripen inmid-season. MDUS5199 is June-bearing with fruit that is dark red, firmfleshed, and globose shaped that ripens in the late season. Both parentsof ‘Clancy’ are hybrids of the strawberry genus of the speciesFragaria×ananassa, thus ‘Clancy’ is of the species Fragaria×ananassa.The seeds resulting from this controlled hybridization were germinatedin a greenhouse in Beltsville during the winter of 1988-89 and shippedto the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, N.Y.for planting in the spring of 1989. The seedlings fruited in the summerof 1990 and one, designated NYUS304B, was selected for its attractive,large fruit, good flavor, late season ripening and firm flesh.

During 1990, the original plant selection was propagated asexually bystolons (runners) at Geneva, N.Y. and a test planting of ten plants wasestablished. Subsequently, larger test plantings have been establishedwith asexually multiplied plants at Geneva, N.Y. The new cultivar wasthen tested over the next several years in the fruiting fields atGeneva, N.Y. Further propagation in South Deerfield, Mass. was completedusing tissue culture to produce disease free material for use in furthertesting. Tissue culture plants were used as mother plants forpropagation from stolons. This propagation demonstrated that thecombination of traits disclosed herein as characterizing the newcultivar are fixed and remain true to type through successivegenerations of asexual reproduction. All propagules of ‘Clancy’ havebeen observed to be true to type in that during all asexualmultiplication, the vegetative and fruit characteristics of the originalplant have been maintained. All plants planted from dormant crowns orrooted runner tips have fruited after one season of growth in the field.

Test plantings in various locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio,Michigan, and Ontario, Canada have shown this cultivar to be widelyadapted to differing soil and climatic conditions. The cultivar hasshown cold hardiness typical to strawberries in a matted row system whencovered with straw in the winter, which is standard procedure for thisgrowing region. Fruit of the new cultivar ripens after the cultivar‘Jewel’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,897) and similar to the varieties ‘Cabot’(U.S. Plant Pat. Appl. No. 20030154530) and ‘Eros’ (not patented).

The new cultivar is primarily adapted to the climate and growingconditions of west central NY, the upper mid-western U.S., themid-Atlantic states, and southeastern Canada and other regions ofsimilar climate. These regions provide the necessary winter temperaturesrequired for it to produce a strong, vigorous plant and to produce fruitin the summer harvest season from May through July, depending onlocation.

The following list of traits in combination define the new cultivar as aunique cultivar distinguishing it from other commercial varieties in theregion:

upright growth habit, strong vigor;

dark green leaves with heavy leaf gloss and longer than broad leaflets;

large, broader than long fruit, globose fruit shape, pronounced cavityin primary fruit, dark red fruit and flesh color, and very firm flesh;

dense petiole pubescence;

relatively short, stiff pedicels and peduncles with frequent bracts thathold the fruit above the canopy;

late season production with moderate yields; and

extended harvest season.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The accompanying color photographs show typical specimens of the newcultivar at various stages of development as nearly true as it ispossible to make in color reproductions. The depicted plant and plantparts were from the second harvest season, approximately 25 months afterplanting.

FIG. 1 shows typical fruiting truss of ‘Clancy’ demonstrating theprojection of the fruit above the canopy on Jun. 20, 2003.

FIG. 2 shows typical fruit shape and uniformity of ‘Clancy’.

FIG. 3 shows typical external fruit characteristics of ‘Clancy’ (A),including calyx structure and fruit shape compared to ‘Cabot’ (B) and‘Jewel’ (C) on Jun. 27, 2003.

FIG. 4 shows typical internal fruit characteristics of ‘Clancy’ (A)compared to ‘Cabot’ (B) and ‘Jewel’ (C) on Jun. 27, 2003.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF NEW CULTIVAR

The following description of ‘Clancy’, unless otherwise noted, is basedon observations taken during the 2003 growing season in Geneva, N.Y.These measurements and ratings were taken from plants produced in SouthDeerfield, Mass. and planted in May 2001. The age of the planting isapproximately 25 months in its second harvest season. Yield observationsand fruit quality characteristics are averaged from data collectedduring the 2002 and 2003 production seasons. The characteristics of thenew cultivar may vary in detail, depending upon variations inenvironmental factors, such as temperature, rainfall, humidity and lightintensity. ‘Clancy’ has not been observed under all possibleenvironmental conditions. Color terminology follows The RoyalHorticultural Society Colour Chart, London.

Comparative Fruit Characteristics:

‘Clancy’ fruit, fruit production and fruit quality characteristics.Fruit characteristics are taken from the second harvest season.

Table 1 shows the 2002-2003 fruit yield and fruit size of ‘Clancy’ fromGeneva, N.Y. Fruit was harvested in June 2002-2003. The plants of‘Clancy’ and the other varieties were grown in a nursery in SouthDeerfield, Mass. and planted in May 2001 in Geneva, N.Y. TABLE 1 20022003 Average 2002 2003 Average Cultivar (kilograms per hectare) (gramsper berry) ‘Clancy’ 15,240 18,680 16,960 12.3 13.9 13.1 ‘Jewel’ 20,25011,650 15,950 10.5 12.9 11.7 ‘Eros’ 22,340 6,680 14,510 12.6 10.9 11.8‘Cabot’ 29,070 17,380 23,230 17.7 15.5 16.6

As shown in Table 2, comparisons of secondary fruit characteristics of‘Clancy’ as compared with standard varieties from Geneva, N.Y. Jun. 20,2003. Measurements are given for mature fruit. Fruit width is measuredacross the widest part of the berry, typically across the shoulders.TABLE 2 Characteristic ‘Clancy’ ‘Cabot’ ‘Eros’ ‘Jewel’ RHS ExteriorColor Red 46A Red 45A Red 44B Red 44A Mature Fruit 3.07 4.28 3.55 3.46Length Mean (cm) Mature Fruit 3.59 4.13 3.41 3.61 Width Mean (cm) MatureFruit 0.86 1.04 1.04 0.97 Length/Width Ratio No. Sepals/Berry 11.9 12.612.3 12.4

As shown in Table 3, comparisons of 2003 fruit quality characteristics,including flavor and soluble solids (% Brix), titratable acidity andjuice pH of ‘Clancy’ are compared with standard varieties from Geneva,N.Y.

Flesh firmness (fresh) is an average penetration pressure using a FruitFirmness Tester (QA Supplies, LLC, Norfolk, Va.) measured on fruit onthe day of harvest with a 3 mm probe following manufacturer'sinstructions.

Flesh firmness (stored) is an average penetration pressure after 6 daysof storage at 2° C. using a Fruit Firmness Tester (QA Supplies, LLC,Norfolk, Va.) taken with a 3 mm probe following manufacturer'sinstructions.

Fruit appearance (fresh) is based on a scale of 1-5 (5 being best) onthe day of harvest.

Fruit appearance (stored) is based on a scale of 1-5 (5 being best)after 6 days of storage at 2° C.

Fruit gloss (fresh) is based on a scale of 1-5 (5 being best) on the dayof harvest.

Fruit gloss (stored) is based on a scale of 1-5 (5 being best) after 6days of storage at 2° C.

Flavor is based on a scale of 1 -10 (10 being best) rated on day ofharvest by a panel of tasters.

Soluble solids are estimated from % Brix with % Brix being an indirectmeasurement of the sugar content in the fruit. The measurements areaveraged from three samples on three dates during the harvest season.

Titratable acidity is the percent of malic acid equivalents. The figuresshown are the average of three samples on three dates during the harvestseason.

Juice pH is the average of three samples on three dates during theharvest season. TABLE 3 Characteristic ‘Clancy’ ‘Cabot’ ‘Eros’ ‘Jewel’Flesh firmness (fresh) 209.0 166.7 135.0 145.3 (g pressure) Fleshfirmness (stored) 196.7 146.7 130.0 141.7 (g pressure) Fruit appearance(fresh) 3.7 3.3 3.3 4.7 Fruit appearance (stored) 3.0 2.3 2.7 4.0 Fruitgloss (fresh) 4.7 4.3 4.0 5.0 Fruit gloss (stored) 3.7 3.0 2.7 4.3Flavor 5.3 6.1 5.8 6.7 Soluble solids 9.0 9.0 9.8 7.8 Titratable acidity1.01 1.02 0.85 1.18 Juice pH 3.54 3.53 3.73 3.42

-   Detailed fruit characteristics of ‘Clancy’:    -   -   Ratio of length/width.—Broader than long.        -   Size.—Large.        -   Aroma.—High.        -   Predominant shape.—Globose.        -   Difference in shapes between primary and secondary            fruit.—Little.        -   Band without achenes.—Intermediate width.        -   Color of mature fruit.—Bright to dark red.        -   Evenness of color.—Even.        -   Glossiness.—Intermediate.        -   Insertion of achenes.—Level to slightly recessed from            surface.        -   Attitude of the calyx segments.—Mostly flush to slightly            reflexed.        -   Calyx color.—RHS 146C.        -   Size of calyx in relation to fruit diameter.—Generally            smaller.        -   Adherence of calyx (when fully ripe).—Strong.        -   Firmness of skin.—Strong.        -   Firmness of flesh.—Very firm.        -   Color of flesh.—Light red with lightening toward center            (orange-red 33A). Darkens when over ripe to red 53A.        -   Distribution of red color of the flesh.—Marginal through            central with lighter inner area.        -   Hollow center.—Strongly expressed in primary fruit. Weakly            expressed in other fruit orders.        -   Seed color.—Medium yellow-green to dark red (yellow-green            154B to red 45B).        -   Time of flowering (50% of plants at first flower).—Late.        -   Time of ripening (50% of plants with first ripe            fruit).—Late.        -   Type of bearing.—Fully short day responsive.            Comparative Plant Characteristics:

Table 4 shows a comparison of plant characteristics of ‘Clancy’ alongwith other standard varieties from Geneva, N.Y. Jun. 20, 2003. Plantcharacteristics are taken from a fully mature, mid-season plant.

Vigor and Canopy Density are rated on a scale of 1-9 (9 being morevigorous or dense) in mature, replicated plots. TABLE 4 Characteristic‘Clancy’ ‘Cabot’ ‘Eros’ ‘Jewel’ Plant Height Mean (cm) 26.1 21.7 24.527.3 Vigor 6.0 4.33 4.9 5.0 Canopy Density 6.0 4.33 5.4 7.0

-   Detailed plant characteristics of ‘Clancy’:    -   -   Size.—Medium.        -   Habit.—Upright.        -   Density.—Medium.        -   Vigor.—Medium.        -   Average Spread.—28.8 cm.            Comparative Foliage Characteristics:

Table 5 shows a comparison of leaf characteristics of ‘Clancy’, withstandard varieties from Geneva, N.Y. on Jun. 20, 2003. Foliagecharacteristics are taken from a fully mature tri-foliate duringmid-season. TABLE 5 Characteristic ‘Clancy’ ‘Cabot’ ‘Jewel’ RHS Color(upper surface) Green 137A Green 138A Green 138A RHS Color (uppersurface) Green 139D Green 137D Green 137D Terminal Leaflet 10.3 8.3 7.5Length Mean (cm) Terminal Leaflet 8.6 7.7 7.6 Width Mean (cm) TerminalLeaflet 1.20 1.08 0.99 Length/Width Ratio Petiole Length Mean (cm) 15.916.3 19.9 Serrations/Leaf 30.2 24.4 18.3 Stipule Length Mean (cm) 3.33.3 3.0 Stipule Width Mean (cm) 0.8 0.56 0.8

-   Detailed foliage characteristics of ‘Clancy’:    -   -   Color of upper surface.—Dark green.        -   Color of lower surface.—Nearly gray green.        -   Shape in cross section.—Slightly concave.        -   Interveinal blistering.—Light.        -   Glossiness.—Moderate to high.        -   Number of leaflets/leaf.—Three.        -   Terminal leaflet.—Size — Large. Length/width ratio — Longer            than broad. Shape of base — Cuneate. Shape serrations —            Acute.-   Petiole:    -   -   Color.—closest to RHS 145B (yellow-green) with a slight RHS            180C (greyed-red) overtone on 50% of the petioles.        -   Pubescence density.—High.        -   Stipule color.—Light to medium green (yellow-green 144B).        -   Stipule texture.—Moderately pubescent.        -   Anthocyanin coloration of stipule.—High blush of red-purple            57A.        -   Attitude of hairs.—Slightly downward.        -   Size of bract leaflets.—Small.        -   Frequency of bract leaflets.—Occur on approximately 30% of            the petioles.            Comparative Flower And Inflorescence Characteristics:

Table 6 gives a comparison of inflorescence and secondary flowercharacteristics of ‘Clancy’ as compared with standard varieties fromGeneva, N.Y. on May 20, 2003. Inflorescence characteristics are takenfrom a fully mature plant during full bloom. Flower characteristics aretaken from a secondary flower during mid-season at full maturity.

The fruiting truss length is measured from the base of the primarypeduncle where it attaches to the crown of the plant to the furthestberry. TABLE 6 Characteristic ‘Clancy’ ‘Cabot’ ‘Jewel’ Fruiting TrussLength Mean (cm) 22.5 20.3 20.9 Corolla Diameter Mean (mm) 37 35 31Calyx Diameter Mean (mm) 37 39 34 Petal Length Mean (mm) 16 14 14 PetalWidth Mean (mm) 14 13 13 Petal Length/Width Ratio 1.14 1.05 1.09Petals/Flower Mean) 6.9 6.4 6.3

-   Detailed inflorescence characteristics of ‘Clancy’:    -   -   Position relative to foliage.—Above.        -   Fruiting truss length.—Short.-   Detailed flower characteristics of ‘Clancy’:    -   -   Color.—RHS 155C (white).        -   Size.—Large.        -   Size of calyx relative to corolla.—Equal.        -   Relative position of petals.—Slight overlap of 10% when            fully open.        -   Petal length/width ratio.—Longer than broad.        -   Petal shape.—Nearly round; elongated at attachment.            Pest Reactions:

It is known to be moderately resistant to the two-spotted spider miteand susceptible to aphid and flower thrips. It is also known to bemoderately resistant to grey fruit mold and resistant to powdery mildew.The susceptibility of the new cultivar to any of the virus complexes ofNY has not been determined.

COMPARISON WITH KNOWN VARIETIES

‘Clancy’ is distinguished from its parents, MDUS4774 and MDUS5199 byhaving larger fruit with a firmer texture. It is more upright in habitthan MDUS4774 with more stout fruiting trusses than both of its parents.The fruit is darker red than that of MDUS5199. The fruiting season isearlier than MDUS5199 and later than MDUS4774.

The varieties which are believed to most closely resemble ‘Clancy’ are‘Jewel’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,897), ‘Cabot’ (U.S. Plant Pat. Appl. No.20030154530), and ‘Eros’ (not patented).

When compared to similar cultivar ‘Jewel’, ‘Clancy’ differs by thefollowing characteristics. The plant of ‘Clancy’ is shorter with morevigor and a less dense canopy. The leaflets are longer and somewhatbroader and more conic in shape. The fruit of ‘Clancy’ is larger thanthat of ‘Jewel’ and the fruit skin and flesh color of ‘Clancy’ is darkerred than that of ‘Jewel’. The yield of ‘Clancy’ is greater than that of‘Jewel’. The fruit of ‘Clancy’ is firmer than that of ‘Jewel’ with lessglossy skin. The fruit of ‘Clancy’ has higher soluble solids (% Brix)and lower titratable acids than that of ‘Jewel’ with higher juice pH.The calyx of ‘Clancy’ is showier, larger and more reflexed than that of‘Jewel’. The harvest season of ‘Clancy’ is later than that of ‘Jewel’and more extended.

When compared to similar cultivar ‘Cabot’, ‘Clancy’ differs by thefollowing combination of characteristics. The plant of ‘Clancy’ istaller and more vigorous compared to ‘Cabot’ with a denser canopy. Theleaflets are longer and narrower, being more conic in shape with lessinterveinal leaf blistering. The length to width ratio of the terminalleaflet is much longer than broad compared to slightly longer than broadfor ‘Cabot’. The fruit of ‘Clancy’ is smaller in size, with darker redskin and flesh color than ‘Cabot’. The fruit of ‘Clancy’ is firmer withglossier skin than ‘Cabot’. The difference in shape between primary andsecondary fruit is greater in ‘Cabot’ than ‘Clancy’. The floweringtrusses are longer with slightly fewer flowers than ‘Cabot’. The flowersof ‘Clancy’ are larger in diameter than the flowers of ‘Cabot’ withpetals that are longer than wide compared to equally long and wide in‘Cabot’. The calyx of ‘Clancy’ is smaller and less showy than that of‘Cabot’.

When compared with similar cultivar ‘Eros’, ‘Clancy’ differs by thefollowing combination of characteristics. The plant of ‘Clancy’ is morevigorous with a taller, more upright habit and thicker canopy comparedto ‘Eros’. The fruit of ‘Clancy’ is larger in size, darker in color withbetter overall flavor than ‘Eros’. The fruit of ‘Clancy’ is more globosebeing equally broad and long compared to ‘Eros’ which is more conicshaped. The calyx segments are slightly reflexed in ‘Clancy’ compared toflush with the fruit in ‘Eros’. The fruiting trusses of ‘Clancy’ arelonger in overall length than ‘Eros’ and more upright in habit, holdingthe fruit off the ground. The fruit of ‘Clancy’ has lower solublesolids, higher titratable acidity than that of ‘Eros’ with a lower juicepH.

1. A new and distinct cultivar of strawberry plant named ‘Clancy’substantially as herein described and illustrated by the characteristicsset forth above.